Philippine Sugarcane Industry History PDF

HISTORY OF THE PHILIPPINE SUGARCANE INDUSTRY 2000 - 4000 BC - Sugarcane plantation already existed.Vessels from the Celebes brought sugarcane cuttings to Mindanao 1521 - Magellan reached the Phils, and sugarcane cultivation was widespread in th...

HISTORY OF THE PHILIPPINE SUGARCANE INDUSTRY 2000 - 4000 BC - Sugarcane plantation already existed.Vessels from the Celebes brought sugarcane cuttings to Mindanao 1521 - Magellan reached the Phils, and sugarcane cultivation was widespread in the islands 1572 - sugarcane was planted in large numbers in Bulacan, Pampanga & Laguna 1750 - every region of the archipelago had small plantations devoted to sugarcane. Primitive mills for the maufacture of muscovado and molasses numbered by the scores 1755 - Phils. started to export sugar to China and other Asian countries 1764 - the amount of sugar exports gradually increased 1775-1779 - the Phils. was the largest exporter of sugar in all Asia 1788- 1789 - Phils. had exported 40 to 50,000 piculs from 2,000 to 3,500 tonnes 1796 - sugar trade between the Phils. and US started 18th Century - Central Azucarera de Don Pedro in Batangas was established by the Roxas family. German Gaston, a French expert was commissioned to supervise sugarcane planting and construction of the sugarmill, He emigrated to Panay and became one of the pioneers of the sugar industry in the Visayas Nicolas Loney - British Vice Consul to Iloilo responsible for the unprecedented heights of the sugar industry in Iloilo. - he provided crop loans, sugarcane cuttings from Sumatra & brought machineries from England & Scotland. - built stone warehouse in Iloilo and sailing crafts called LORCHAS in Guimaras to transport sugar from Negros 1899-1901 - Phil American war wreaked havoc on the countryside. Luzon, Cebu, Panay Negros and parts of Mindanao were included in the devastation. Sugar production dropped considerably and did not recover until 1913. 1913 - Phil. sugar industry developed and expanded. 47 mills were established before the last world war. Production rose by 502% to an all time high of 1,565,405 tons for 1934 - During the world war 11, the sugar industry was destroyed and of the 47 sugarmills existing only 25 were completely rehabilitated. 1965 - expansion for the sugar industry moved forward 1977 - the country had an over supply of sugar and the sugar industry was in the verge of collapse July 1977 - Pres. Marcos ordered activation of Philsucom and Nasutra as the country’s single buying agency February 21, 1985 - reorganized the Phil. Sugar Commission and privatized Nasutra May 28, 1986 - Pres. Corazon Aquino created the Sugar Regulatory Administration replacing Philsucom Sugar Regulatory Administration - a government owned and controlled Corp. which formulates responsive developmental & regulatory policies & provide RD &E services to ensure sufficient supply of sugar for a diversified, sustainable & competetive industry that improves productivity and profitability of sugarcane farmers and processing industries & provides decent income for workers. OVERVIEW OF THE PHILIPPINE SUGARCANE INDUSTRY The Philippines produces sugar from sugarcane, which is its main agricultural crop. 1. Sugar production for CY 2023-2024 was 2.11 million metric tons ranking 17th in the world, refined sugar 1.31 million tons and molasses amounted to 1.09 million metric tons. 2. The top sugarcane producing regions are Western Visayas, Northern Mindanao, and Central Visayas. 3. The sugarcane industry contributes around P 76 billion annually to the Philippine economy. 4. Currently, sugarcane is cultivated in 398,478 hectares, with the ff. distribution: a. Negros island - 57 % b. Mindanao - 21 % c. Luzon - 11 % d. Panay - 8% e. Eastern Visayas - 3% 5. The amount of land used to grow sugarcane in the Philippines has fluctuated over the past decade 6. The Western Visayas region or R6 is the leading producer of sugarcane in the Philippines 7. The province of Negros Occidental is known as the “Sugar Bowl” of the Philippines because it produces most of the sugarcane in the country. 8. Sugarcane is a high-value crop in the Phil. and is used to make molasses and raw materials for food production. 9. Factors affecting sugar production: a. Cost inefficiencies - farming & milling costs can be inefficient b. Regulatory decisions - decisions that limit the uses of sugar output can create ` barriers c. El Nino - its impact increases production costs and affect farmers Profitability 10. CY 2023-2024 productivity level was 94.51 Kg/Ha. and LKg/TC of 1.76 11. World sugar production was 186.6 million MT with higher production in China, India & Thailand. Brazil - the highest, largest sugar producer in the world Sugar Mills 1. Victorias Milling Co. is the largest sugar producer in the Philippines situated in Victorias City, Neg. Occ. 2. Many mills have their own sugar refineries 3. As of CY 2023-2024, 26 sugar mills are operational , 11 have their own sugar refineries. DIRECTORY OF PHILIPPINE SUGARMILLS LUZON (5) 1. Universal Robina Corp. - Cagayan Valley 2. Universal Robina Corp. - (SURE -Batangas) 3. Penafrancia Sugarmill Inc. - Pampanga 4. Central Azucarera de Tarlac - Tarlac City 5. Central Azucarere de Don Pedro - Batangas NEGROS (13) 1. Central Azucarera de Bais - Bais City 2. BISCOM Inc. - Binalbagan 3. First Farmers Holding Corp. - Talisay City 4. Hawaiian-Philippine Co. - Silay City 5. HDJ Bayawan Agri-Venture Corp. - Bayawan City 6. HDJ Bayawan Agri-Venture Corp. - Sta. Catalina, Neg. Oriental 7. Universal Robina Corp. - La Carlota 8. Lopez Sugar Corp. - Sagay City 9. Universal Robina Corp. - Manjuyod 10. Sagay Central Inc. - Sagay City 11. Universal Robina Corp. - SONEDCO-Kabankalan 12. VICMICO - Victorias City 13. Organic Producers in the Island of Negros Multi-Purpose Coop- Sagay PANAY (3) 1. Capiz Sugar Central , Inc. - Capiz 2. Universal Robina Corp. - Passi 3. Central Azucarera de San Antonio - Passi EASTERN VISAYAS (1) 1. HIDECO Sugar Milling Co., Inc. - Leyte MINDANAO (4) 1. BUSCO Sugar Milling Co., Inc. - Bukidnon 2. Cotabato Sugar Central Co., Inc - North Cotabato 3. CRYSTAL Sugar Co. - Bukidnon 4. DAVAO Sugar Central Co., Inc. - Digos, Davao del Sur  RAW SUGAR MANUFACTURING PROCESS CANE WEIGHING The cane is generally weighed on a large platform scale in the transport unit i which is received at the mill by trucks, trailer carts and some by railway cars. The harvested sugarcane cannot be stored for a very long time without deteriorating, so it is converted to raw sugar with as little delay as possible. The sugar is contained in the stalks ranging from 15-20 % sucrose. The juice also contains starch and other polysaccharides, fiber, flavonoid, protein, amino acids, aconitic, organic acids & salts. The purpose of sugar manufacture is to separate the sugar from these other components and to crystallize it in as pure a form as economically feasible. PREPARATION FOR CANE MILLING The milling process may be separated into 2 steps, the preparation of the cane by breaking down the hard structure and purring the cell, and the actual grinding of the canes. The preparation of the cane is accomplished in several ways: 1. By revolving cane knives that cut the cane into chips but extracted no juice. 2. By shredders that tear the cane into shreds but extract no juice. 3. By crushers that break and crush the structure of the cane, extracting a large portion of the juice. 4. By combination of any or all of the previous ways. MILLING MACHINERY Milling Machinery is composed of three rollers arranged in triangular form. A set of 3 to 7 machines Each mill unit is commonly driven by separate motor power, steam engine, electric motor, or steam turbine The 3 rolls are known respectively as the top roll, the cane roll (Entering) or feed roll, the bagasse roll or discharge roll. Adding water or thij juice to the bagasse after each mill dilutes the content juice and increases the extraction as this juice is expressed. Bagasse, which the fibrous residue extracted from the last mill is used in paper making, as a chemical feedstock and in cattle feed. Its principal use is an energy source for the mills, allowing most cane factories to be partially or totally energy self-sufficient. CLARIFICATION The primary object of the clarification is to remove from the juice the maximum quantity of impurities. The degree of clarification has great bearing on the subsequent stations of the factory, affecting pan boiling, the centrifuging, the quality of the products, and most important of all, is the yield of raw sugar. The raw cane juice is turbid & acidic, with pH in the range of 5.3-5.7. The first stage of sugar production is clarification (or Purification) of the juice, designed to remove soluble & insoluble impurities and to inactivate enzymes that hydrolyze sucrose(invertase). Clarification is carried out by the addition of lime and flocculent to the heated cane juice. This coagulates and precipitates insoluble & colloidal material and raises the pH to near neutral. Increasing the pH of the juice to near neutral. Increasing the pH of the juice helps to stabilize the sucrose against acid hydrolysis. Added chemicals as follows: 1. Soluble Phosphates(P2O5) Clearer juice fewer lime salts in clarified juice more rapid settling faster mud filtration  better sugar 2. Polymer flocculants increases settling rate reduces mud volume decreases poly in cake increases the clarity of the clarified juice 3. Lime (as milk) in order to raise pH to 7 Result of Clarification: The clarification process divides the whole juice into 2 portions: 1. The clarification that comprises 80 to 90% of the original juice, almost invariable, goes to the evaporators without further treatment. 2. The precipitated settling, the scums or mud waters, which are filtered after various methods or treatment. FILTRATION In filtration process, the rotary type vacuum filter is commonly used. The filter is consists of rotating drum covered with perforated plate of copper or other metal, which dips into a bath containing the mud water. The filter is divided into 4 sections Hot water and bagacillo are added to the mud to increase filtration efficiency. Filtration result: - Clarified juice sent directly to the evaporators - Filter Cake After filtration, the clarifies juice is concentrated by evaporation into crystalline raw sugar. During processing, the cane juice changes color from dark green to golden brown owing to various color-forming reactions, the most important ones being enzymatic and non enzymatic browning and polymerization of polyphenolic acids, the Maillard browning reaction between reducing sugars and amino acids. and the caramelization reaction caused by thermal degradation of sugars. EVAPORATION & CRYSTALLIZATION Evaporation of water from the sugar solution to yield a final crystalline product. The evaporation is done in 2 stages: 1. First in an evaporator station to concentrate on the solution. 2. Second in Evapo-Crystallizer to crystallize the sugar from solution. EVAPORATION: Removes about 90% of the water from the clarified juice, The multiple effect is usually extended to 3,4, and more effects, Evaporation increases the juice solids from about 16 brix to about 65-70 Brix which is the syrup. EVAPO-CRYSTALLIZERS: The function of this evapo-crystallizer is to produce satisfactory sugar crstals from the syrup (Seed grain) to serve as the nuclei for the sugar syrup. When Brix reaches 78-80, crystals begin to appear and the nature of the material changes. It is then called “ massecuite”. CENTRIFUGAL MACHINES: The basic function of the Centrifugal machines is to the crytals in the massecuite from the surrounding molasses or syrup by centrifugal force. The raw sugar is then sent to the dryers or refining unit according to the type of the desired final product. Molasses is a by product used as a raw material for other products DRYERS The wet raw sugar from the centrifugal machines goes to the rotary drier to remove the water from the wet sugar to reduce moisture content to 0.5-2% usss s ing hot air at 110oC which flow counter currently with sugar. 1. In US and some European countries, raw sugar is considered inedible because it is not made according to the strict sanitary codes established in those countries. However, in may other parts of the world, raw sugar is sold directly to the consumer. Raw sugar is a commodity sold on the world market. Many rules and regulations control its sale, its cost, and its transport around the world.Raw sugar is exported from producing areas to refineries in industrialized countries for conversion into highly purified white sugar. 2. A special type of raw sugar, called “turbinado” sugar, is produced for the edible market in Europe and North America. STANDARD RAW SUGAR QUALITY PARAMETERS STANDARD Polarization 97.5 Minimum Moisture 0.5 - 0.7 Factor of Safety 0.25 Maximum Color (ICUMSA) 3,000-6000 Maximum Reducing Sugar 0.6 - 0.7 Ash 0.3 - 0.5 Filterability(mL) 80 - 140 Mean Aperture 0.9 Minimum Coefficient of Variation 25% Maximum CHEMICALS IN LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION (PHARMATEUTICALS) Presented by GROUP 4  Introduction Overview of Livestock Production: Livestock production plays a critical role in meeting global demands for meat, milk, eggs, and other animal-derived products. It supports food security, livelihoods, and economies worldwide. The sector encompasses the rearing of animals such as cattle, poultry, sheep, and swine under various systems, from small-scale farms to industrial operations. Introduction Overview of Livestock Production: Key Statistics: Livestock contributes over 40% to global agricultural output. The agriculture, forestry, and fishing sector industry contributed 8.6 percent to the GDP of the Philippines in 2023. The industry's GDP contribution has been fluctuating since 2016. Introduction Role of Pharmaceutical in Livestock Pharamateuticls includes antibiotics, vaccines, antiparasitics and hormones. Aim: Disease prevention, productivity enhancement, and food safety. Types of Pharmaceuticals Used in Livestock  Antibiotics Antibiotics are medicines that fight bacterial infections. They work by killing the bacteria or by making it hard for the bacteria to grow and multiply. Common Example Penicillin Amoxicillin Tetracycline Erythromycine  Hormones Hormones play a crucial role in improving reproductive efficiency, such as synchronizing estrus cycles for breeding, and enhancing growth rates, including muscle development. Common Example Growth Hormones: Bovine Somatotropin (bST) Zeranol Reproductive Hormones: Progesterone Gonadotropins Antiparasitics Antiparasitics are essential for controlling both internal and external parasites, addressing health issues caused by roundworms, lice, and ticks, and improving overall growth and productivity. Common Example Internal Antiparasitics (Endoparasiticides) Benzimidazoles Macrocyclic Lactones Tetradropyrimidines Clorsolun External Antiparasitics (Ectoparasiticides) Pyrethroids Organophosphate Amitraz Fipronil Vaccines Vaccines are preventive measures that protect livestock from diseases like foot-and-mouth disease and brucellosis by building immunity, reducing outbreaks, and minimizing the need for therapeutic interventions. Common Example Bacterial Vaccine Viral Vaccine Parasitic Vaccine Feed additives Feed additives are products used in animal nutrition for purposes of improving the quality of feed and the quality of food from animal origin, or to improve the animals' performance and health, Common Example Nutritional Additives: Vitamins Minerals Non-Nutritional Additives: Probiotics & Prebiotics Enzymes Antioxidants Benefits of Pharmaceutical Use Improved animal health Enhanced production efficiency Food Safety Regulations and Policies A. International Standards Guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO) and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Codex Alimentarius standards on residues and usage Regulations and Policies B. National Policies Republic Act No. 3720: Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act Republic Act No. 10611: Food Safety Act of 2013 Bureau of Animal Industry regulations on veterinary drugs  Sustainable Practices Alternatives to Responsible use of Research and pharmaceuticals pharmaceuticals innovation Looking into natural or lab-made Promoting careful use of Working on safer and more substitutes for regular medicines, medicines by following effective products for livestock, like like herbal treatments, probiotics, prescriptions, proper dosages, feed supplements, vaccines, and and active natural compounds, to avoiding overuse, and ensuring growth aids, to support animal improve health and reduce reliance safe disposal to protect health and health, sustainability, and lower on synthetic drugs. the environment. environmental harm.  Conclusions Pharmaceuticals in livestock production enhance animal health, productivity, and food safety. However, their misuse can lead to antibiotic resistance, chemical residues, and ethical concerns. Regulations and sustainable practices are essential to mitigate these challenges. The future of livestock production lies in balanced approaches that combine pharmaceutical advancements with sustainable practices. WHAT IS AGRICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY? Agricultural biotechnology is a range of tools, including traditional breeding techniques, that alter living organisms, or parts of organisms, to make or modify products; improve plants or animals; or develop microorganisms for specific agricultural uses. Modern biotechnology today includes the tools of genetic engineering. PRINCIPLES OF AGRICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY 1.​ Genetic Engineering: -​ Recombinant DNA Technology: This involves combining DNA from different organisms to create new genetic combinations. For instance, scientists can insert a gene that confers pest resistance from a bacterium into a plant species. This method allows for precise modifications that can lead to enhanced traits without altering the entire genome. -​ CRISPR/Cas9 Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats: A revolutionary gene-editing technology that enables targeted modifications in the DNA of plants. It allows for the addition, deletion, or alteration of specific genes, leading to traits such as drought tolerance or improved nutritional content. 2.​ Tissue Culture -​ Micropropagation: This technique allows for the rapid multiplication of plants under sterile conditions. By using small tissue samples (explant), large numbers of identical plants can be produced quickly, which is particularly useful for producing disease-free planting material. -​ Somatic Embryogenesis : A process where somatic cells are induced to form embryos, leading to the development of whole plants. This technique can be used to propagate genetically modified plants. 3.​ Molecular Diagnostics -​ Techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) are employed to detect specific pathogens or genetic traits in crops. Early detection helps farmers take preventive measures, reducing the need for chemical treatments. What are genome editing and CRISPR-Cas9?: MedlinePlus Genetics. (n.d.). https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/understanding/genomicresearch/genomeediting/ The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. (2024, December 1). Genetic engineering | Definition, Process, Uses, Examples, Techniques, & Facts. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/science/genetic-engineering/Process-and-techniques The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. (1998, July 20). Tissue culture | Plant & Animal Cell Cultures, Benefits & Applications. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/science/tissue-culture Molecular diagnostics. (2019, December 9). Yale Medicine. https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/molecular-diagnostics#:~:text=What%20is% 20molecular%20diagnostics%3F,expanded%20rapidly%20in%20recent%20years. HOW IS AGRICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY BEING USED FOR? (IMPORTANCE) Biotechnology offers farmers tools for more efficient and cost-effective production, such as herbicide-tolerant and pest-resistant crops. These advancements simplify weed and pest control, potentially reducing synthetic pesticide use and lowering production costs. Ongoing research explores developing nutritionally enhanced, longer-lasting, and less toxic foods through biotechnology. Further research focuses on reducing saturated fats, allergens, and increasing beneficial nutrients in food. Biotechnology also explores using genetically engineered crops for medicine production, creating a potential plant-based pharmaceutical industry. Phytoremediation, using plants to detoxify or absorb soil pollutants, is another application of biotechnology. Additionally, biotechnology aims to improve animal feed efficiency, reduce nutrient runoff, and develop hardier crops for harsh environments, minimizing resource use. Beyond plants, biotechnology enhances antibiotic production and creates new animal vaccines. APPLICATIONS OF AGRICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY (SPECIFIC?) 1.​ Pest control and Disease resistance -​ Biotechnology helps make both insect pest control and weed management safer and easier while safeguarding crops against disease. For instance, genetically engineered insect-resistant cotton has allowed for a significant reduction in the use of persistent, synthetic pesticides that may contaminate groundwater and the environment. 2.​ Enhanced Nutritional Value -​ Biotech crops may provide enhanced quality traits such as increased levels of beta-carotene in rice to aid in reducing vitamin A deficiencies and improved oil compositions in canola, soybean, and corn. 3.​ Enhanced Adaptation to Environmental Changes -​ Using agricultural biotechnology, plant and animal breeders can more quickly develop plants and animals that are adapted to changing environmental conditions, such as drought, increased temperatures, new diseases, and other stressors. 4.​ Enhanced Breeding Techniques -​ This offers methods to accelerate the development of superior crop varieties such as molecular markers, genome sequencing, and doubled haploids. 5.​ Efficiency in Farming -​ Biotech crops improve farming profitability by enhancing crop quality and, in some cases, increasing yields. These innovations often simplify farming practices, making operations safer and less time-consuming. Farmers can allocate more time to other income-generating activities, boosting overall productivity and financial returns. https://www.usda.gov/topics/biotechnology/biotechnology-frequently-asked-questions-faqs#: ~:text=Biotechnology%20has%20helped%20to%20make,while%20safeguarding%20crops% 20against%20disease. https://www.iatp.org/sites/default/files/Applications_of_Biotechnology_to_Crops_Benefit.htm https://www.usda.gov/topics/biotechnology/climate-change#:~:text=Using%20agricultural%2 0biotechnology%2C%20plant%20and,adapted%20to%20changing%20environmental%20co nditions%2C https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/plant-science/articles/10.3389/fpls.2023.1263289/full WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF AGRICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY?​ Agricultural biotechnology offers numerous benefits to farmers, producers, and consumers, improving pest and weed management while protecting crops from disease. Insect-resistant crops, like cotton, have significantly reduced the use of persistent synthetic pesticides, protecting groundwater and the environment. Herbicide-tolerant crops enable the use of safer herbicides that degrade quickly and are less harmful to wildlife and humans, also supporting soil-preserving no-till farming. Biotechnology has successfully protected crops from devastating diseases, exemplified by the development of papaya resistant to ringspot virus, saving the U.S. papaya industry. These biotech crops can increase profitability through improved quality and potentially higher yields, simplifying farming practices and freeing up farmers' time. Enhanced quality traits, such as increased beta-carotene in rice and improved oil compositions, are being developed, along with crops tolerant to harsh conditions like salty soils and drought. Biotechnology tools have also advanced understanding of basic biology, such as identifying the genetic structure of foodborne illness-causing bacteria, improving food safety. SOURCE: Biotechnology FAQs. (2024, December 11). Usda.gov. https://www.usda.gov/farming-and-ranching/plants-and-crops/biotechnology/biotechnology-f aqs AGRICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY IN THE PHILIPPINES The Philippines, with a land area of 30 million hectares and a population exceeding 70 million in 1998, dedicated 10.3 million hectares to agriculture in 1997, primarily cultivating coconut, rice, corn, banana, and pineapple. Rice and corn are the leading crops in both area and production, with the country being a major producer of coconut, sugarcane, banana, and pineapple, although sugarcane export value has declined. Over 70% of the population relies on agriculture, primarily on small farms, but population growth is converting prime agricultural land for resettlement and industrial use, reducing available farmland. The Philippines initiated its biotechnology programs in 1980 with the establishment of BIOTECH at UPLB, followed by three more institutes in 1995 focusing on industrial, human health, and marine biotechnology. UPLB continues to lead in agricultural, forestry, industrial, and environmental biotechnology research, with other institutes and centers also conducting biotechnology R&D. Challenges Although the country recognizes the tremendous potential that can be achieved from biotechnology, several challenges need to be met before the goals set can be achieved. 1.​ Increase Productivity Rapid population growth is driving increased demand for food while crop and livestock yields are declining due to factors like land conversion and decreased soil fertility. Pests, diseases, and abiotic stresses such as drought and typhoons further hinder agricultural productivity. The key challenge is to leverage biotechnology to sustainably increase farm productivity and yields with minimal resource input. 2.​ Global Competitiveness Trade liberalization threatens to flood the Philippine market with inexpensive agricultural imports, exacerbating the existing negative trade balance (US$10.7 million in 1997, with US$25.2 million in exports and US$35.9 million in imports). To counteract this, biotechnology must be employed to develop locally produced agricultural goods that can effectively compete with foreign products. This strategy aims to boost high-quality exports and decrease reliance on imports. 3.​ Regulation of Biotechnology Products Currently, regulatory bodies like the BPI (Bureau of Plant Industry), BAI (Bureau of Animal Industry), FPA (Fertilizer and Pesticide Administration), BFAD (Bureau of Food and Drugs Administration), and EMB (Environment and Management Bureau) lack policies and guidelines for regulating the commercial release of genetically improved organisms (GIOs), and lack necessary infrastructure like labs. Therefore, the key challenge is threefold: developing regulatory guidelines for GIO commercialization, establishing supporting laboratory infrastructure, and providing training for personnel within these regulatory bodies. Opportunities for Biotechnology Although the Philippines is lagging behind the industrial countries and its ASEAN neighbors in terms of R&D in biotechnology, many windows of opportunities are open. 1.​ Increased Yield of Plants Biotechnology provides the opportunity for researchers to improve plant growth, development, and yield by providing for the basic needs of the plant such as biofertilizers and biocontrol agents.  2.​ Genetically Improved Plants The Philippines acknowledges the significant potential of genetically modified crops with traits like pest resistance, herbicide tolerance, and stress tolerance (salt, heavy metals, drought), which could substantially reduce production costs by minimizing fertilizer and pesticide inputs. However, the country's adoption of these technologies, currently limited to a few nations, is contingent upon resolving biosafety regulations and intellectual property concerns. 3.​ Livestock Livestock biotechnology presents significant opportunities in several areas: developing vaccines for diseases like foot and mouth disease and hemorrhagic septicemia, creating diagnostic tools, and advancing in vitro fertilization techniques. 4.​ Microbial Products Opportunities are available for the use of microorganisms for biofertilizers, biopesticides, and bioremediation of the environment. Source: De La Cruz, R. (n.d.). Philippines: Challenges, Opportunities, and Constraints in Agricultural Biotechnology. https://cgspace.cgiar.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/6c1f8d32-2d2d-4553-8996-d42339cd99c7 /content SPECIFIC CHEMICALS USED IN AGRI BIOTECH 1.​ Herbicides a.​ Glyphosate: A broad-spectrum herbicide used to control weeds, often in conjunction with genetically modified, glyphosate-tolerant crops. Glyphosate's effectiveness and its compatibility with certain GM crops have made it a widely used tool in modern agriculture. b.​ Glufosinate: Another broad-spectrum herbicide used for weed control, particularly in crops genetically engineered for glufosinate tolerance. Like glyphosate, glufosinate allows for efficient weed management without harming the engineered crop. 2.​ Insecticides a.​ Bt toxins: Proteins produced by the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis, used as insecticides in genetically modified crops. These toxins are specific to certain insect pests, providing a targeted approach to pest control and reducing the need for synthetic insecticides. b.​ Neonicotinoids: A class of synthetic insecticides that affect the central nervous system of insects. 3.​ Plant Growth Regulators a.​ Auxins: Plant hormones that promote cell elongation, root development, and other growth processes. Auxins play a crucial role in plant development and are used in various agricultural applications, including tissue culture and fruit production. b.​ Cytokinins: Plant hormones that stimulate cell division and differentiation. Cytokinins are often used in conjunction with auxins in plant tissue culture to control plant development and regeneration. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/glufosinate https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/plant-growth-regulator https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/agricultural-biotechnology #:~:text=Glyphosate%20%5BN%2D(phosphonomethyl)glycine,in%20the%20gut%20cell%20membr ane. https://food.ec.europa.eu/plants/pesticides/approval-active-substances-safeners-and-synergists/renewal -approval/neonicotinoids_en#:~:text=Neonicotinoids%20are%20active%20substances%20used,%2C %20thiamethoxam%2C%20acetamiprid%20and%20thiacloprid. CASE STUDIES OF BIOTECHNOLOGY IN AGRICULTURE Golden Rice in the Philippines Golden Rice is a genetically modified variety of rice developed to address Vitamin A deficiency (VAD), a significant public health issue in the Philippines. VAD affects vulnerable populations, particularly children and pregnant women, leading to blindness, weakened immunity, and increased mortality. Agricultural biotechnology has been employed to create Golden Rice, which is biofortified with beta-carotene, a precursor to Vitamin A. Producing new crop varieties using mutation breeding Mutagenesis – changing the genetic material of an organism, for example by using radiation – can be used to produce new crop varieties, and this technique is especially used by and for developing countries. By 2010, over 2 700 mutation-bred crop varieties had been released across the world, with particularly high rates of cultivation in Asia. Mutation-bred varieties of rice in Thailand and Myanmar and pearl millet in India are widely cultivated. Using mutation breeding, three varieties of rice with improved food quality and salt tolerance have been released in the Mekong Delta region of Viet Nam, increasing annual smallholder incomes by 350 USD per farmer.​ Controlling migratory locusts in Timor-Leste using biopesticides Biopesticides can provide an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical pesticides, and are appropriate for use when the environment is particularly sensitive or if crops are not under immediate threat from pests (because biopesticides act more slowly than conventional chemical pesticides). One such biopesticide is formulated from fungal spores and acts against migratory locusts. In Timor-Leste, this fungal biopesticide was used successfully to combat swarms of migratory locusts which were putting maize and rice crops under threat in 2007, through a combination of aerial and ground spraying. https://openknowledge.fao.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/5c4c1bbe-f3d4-43d0-aa97-46f93efda9c8/co ntent https://www.irri.org/golden-rice